Some 41 children died in the United States this year from being left alone in a hot car. Safety advocates want rules requiring new technology to solve the problem; automakers say there's nothing yet guaranteed to work. Or is there?

Safety advocates have petitioned U.S. regulators to require warning systems that would set off an alarm if a child is left in the back seat with the car shut off. While some companies sell add-on systems to do just that, automakers say there's no technology that's proven foolproof enough to guarantee it would save a child's life.

Perhaps in making new vehicles technological wonders that remove much of the burden of driving, we've muted the responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel. Maybe all it takes to save a few lives are drivers conscious enough of their duties and their failings to grab a pen and paper.